Florida has begun construction of a new migrant detention center in a remote area of the Everglades, reusing a former airfield and using large tents to house immigration detainees. Informally dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the project has generated controversy because of its extreme conditions, geographic isolation and projected cost of $450 million per year.
The project is part of a national strategy pushed by the Trump administration to expand immigration detention capacity and speed up deportations. According to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a close Trump ally, the location will not require extensive security measures, as the area’s dangerous wildlife – such as alligators and snakes – will act as a natural deterrent.
Temporary installation
According to the Department of Homeland Security(DHS), the goal is to have part of the camp operational by July 2025.
While work continues to add up to 5,000 additional beds.
Florida expects to obtain reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Although these funds were originally intended to support cities such as New York in the humanitarian housing of migrants.
The location will not require major security measures
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed concern about the lack of prior consultation.
He also asked for more time to evaluate the project’s impact on the Everglades.
It is not yet clear whether other local jurisdictions will have authority to oversee the operation of the center.
Legal concerns
Buzzy
Human rights organizations have called the center in the Everglades, Florida, an extreme and potentially unconstitutional measure.
Mark Fleming of the National Immigrant Justice Center warned that keeping migrants in tents in the summer heat and without clarity about basic medical services puts their health and dignity at risk.
In addition, critics argue that a parallel detention system is being created, with no direct accountability to the judicial system or the federal government.
The current number of immigrants detained by ICE exceeds 55,000, a significant increase since the close of the Biden administration, when some 40,000 detainees were reported.
What should migrants in the U.S. know?
>>>>>>This center could be used for federal and local detentions
The legal scope of the use of tents is not yet defined
Advocacy organizations are already preparing lawsuits.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
